Elevate case study:
Paola Casagrande

For Paola, mentoring is as much about self-discovery as it is about helping others. Working with peers from different companies and diverse backgrounds has broadened her own perspective. “It made me reflect on my own achievements in a way I hadn’t before,” she explains. “And it sharpened my mentoring skills, because I had to adapt my approach when working with very experienced professionals as opposed to graduates.”  

This adaptability has been a highlight of Elevate. In addition to individual mentoring, Paola has facilitated group sessions, supporting participants at different stages of their Fellowship journey. “It was a new challenge for me,” she reflects. “I had to think about how to get the most out of a group and even encourage peer-to-peer mentoring within it. That was a great insight.”  

Paola also values the way Elevate fosters a sense of belonging across the profession. “I’ve mentored colleagues and peers from other companies, and it’s helped me feel part of a bigger community. Together, we can make a difference beyond our day jobs.”  

Looking ahead, Paola is clear that Elevate’s flexibility is one of its strengths. It can support pathways to Fellowship, or simply provide confidence at key career moments—whether that’s returning from a break or navigating new challenges. But she is eager to see the programme grow even further. 

“What I’d like to see is more people joining in—more mentors and more mentees. Word of mouth has already brought in new participants, and I hope it gathers momentum so even more people can experience how rewarding it is.”  

As Elevate marks its first year, Paola’s reflections underline its wider value: a programme that not only guides individuals but also strengthens the bonds of a profession built on shared learning, recognition, and community. 

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